Cheers.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad hopes to educate special passengers about beer while raising money for United Way of Southwest Colorado, a nonprofit that strives to help people reach their potential through education, income stability and healthful living.
The first train is scheduled to leave the depot at 10 a.m. Saturday. The capacity is set at 180 passengers. Two other trains are scheduled to depart later in the summer, on Aug. 30 and Sept. 20.
Of course, it’s not a “brew train” without the beer.
Durango’s five local breweries – Ska Brewing, Brew Pub & Kitchen, Carvers Brewing Co., Durango Brewing Co. and Steamworks Brewing Co. – each will have a representative educating customers about their microbrewing process.
Ben Martinez, events manager with the D&SNG, said Durango Brew Train proceeds will be determined after the event. In addition to those proceeds, passengers will receive 10 complimentary beer sample tickets, and when those run out, they will be able to purchase more, he said. From those ticket sales, 100 percent of profits will go to United Way.
“There are two different avenues of proceeds for United Way with this event,” Martinez said.
Kris Oyler, founder and CEO of Steamworks Brewing Co., said he is happy to offer Colorado Kolsch, Steam Engine Lager and Third Eye Pale Ale to train passengers.
Oyler is enthusiastic about partnering with D&SNG and working with other brewers.
“I think it’s a good fit for what the train wants to do,” Oyler said. “We’re excited about the opportunity.”
Jake Agee, sales representative with Durango Brewing Co., said the train will feature its seasonal Durango Blueberry Wheat – an American-style wheat beer infused with blueberries, and Durango Amber Ale, a well-balanced medium beer, he said.
The Durango Blueberry Wheat won the People’s Choice Award and the Durango Amber Ale took home the silver at the 2012 International Beer Festival. It also won bronze at the Colorado State Fair, Agee said.
Erik Maxson, owner of BREW Pub & Kitchen, said an English-style brown ale called Jessica will make an appearance along with a new hefeweizen beer, which is yet to be named.
The brew train will incorporate the best of both worlds, Maxson said – a scenic train ride into the wilderness and Durango-crafted beer.
“It’s such an amazing way to go to a beer festival, he said. “You get to go on this amazing scenic ride.”
The limited seatings also gives customers the chance to get up close and personal with the brewers, he said. Maxson is excited to educate customers about different brews.
“That’s why we do this – we love beer,” said Lynn Urban, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado, about the inaugural run of the Brew Train.
United Way will use Brew Train donations to fund its annual budget, which also receives funding from other donations and proceeds from special events. United Way provides financial support to 28 different nonprofits in La Plata and San Juan counties, including the Durango Community Shelter, Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club.
“It’s a really neat collaboration between the five local breweries, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and United Way,” Urban said.
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
To help
United Way has several openings for volunteers who would like to work the event.
Those interested can call the United Way office at 247-9444.
